Former DI Running Back Pat Shed Launches Shed Versatile Training

The athletes are getting guidance from someone who's played at the top level. Shed is getting closure after the abrupt end to his playing career.

Posted: Dec. 13, 2018 7:09 PM

Updated: Dec. 13, 2018 7:14 PM

Posted By: Jake Garcia

MEDFORD—Shed Versatile Training is the brainchild of Pat Shed, a former Division I standout running back at UAB.It’s an idea he had a few months ago that’s now a reality.

"A lot of people don't ask that question, ‘Why not?’ Why not give back to the youth population? Why not take the gift that I was blessed with and pass it on to people that love the game just as much as I do?" Shed said.

The program specializes in football development, but more broadly wants to improve skills that can be applied to all sports.

It’s open to local athletes of any age.

"A lot of my drills are focused on footwork. In and out drills, lateral movement, change of directions, keeping the ball high and tight," he said.

But it's not just about what Shed is offering the kids. It's what the kids are offering him.

"Just having the opportunity to work with kids and living through them, I think that eventually it will give me some closure some day," he said.

Shed spent two years at East Mississippi Community College—a site that's today known as Last Chance U.

“We were known as the worst junior college and we are now the best junior college," he said.

A stepping stone for many, Shed used it as a springboard to break running back records at division one UAB.

He was considered an NFL Draft prospect until a knee injury derailed those chances.

Shed moved from Alabama to the Rogue Valley in 2013.

Now the focus isn't about his own playing future, but the future of those he trains.

“I think the closest thing to getting closure is investing in the kids, giving them the gift I wanted so bad or the gift that I was blessed with. So it's that opportunity I always wanted. When I come out here, that's my way of driving or motivating me," he said.